A manifold gasket is a seal that is located between the engine manifold and the cylinder head. The manifold gasket is responsible for sealing the combustion chamber, and it also helps to prevent leaks in the cooling system.
A manifold gasket can fail due to a number of reasons, including engine vibration, thermal expansion, and age. When a manifold gasket fails, it can cause a number of problems, such as oil leaks, coolant leaks, and loss of compression. As a result, it is important to be aware of the signs of manifold gasket failure, so that repairs can be made before further damage is done.
Most car owners are not familiar with the manifold gasket, much less its importance in the vehicle’s engine. Let’s take a closer look at the signs of a problem, the cause, and how it will be solved.
How to Tell if your Manifold Gasket is Failing
Here are four warning signs of a manifold gasket failure:
- Exhaust gases leaking into the engine: This is perhaps the most obvious sign of a gasket failure. If you notice that your car’s engine is running roughly or inefficiently, it could be due to exhaust gases leaking into the cylinders.
- Check engine light: Another symptom of a gasket failure is a lit check engine light. This can indicate that there is an issue with the seals in the engine, which may include the manifold gasket.
- Oil leaks: If you notice oil leaks under your car’s hood, it could be due to a failed manifold gasket. The oil may be coming from around the cylinder head or exhaust manifold connection.
- Coolant leaks: Similarly, coolant leaks can also be a symptom of a failed manifold gasket. If you see coolant leaking from around the cylinder head or exhaust manifold, it’s time to have your car checked out by a mechanic.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. A failed manifold gasket can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
Common Causes of a Manifold Gasket Failure
One of the most common issues that leads to manifold gasket failure is incorrect installation. If the gasket is not seated properly, it can cause manifold bolts to come loose, which in turn will lead to manifold gasket failure.
Another common cause of manifold gasket failure is wear and tear. Over time, manifold gaskets can become brittle and cracked, which will eventually lead to leaks. Metal fatigue is another potential cause of manifold gasket failure. If the exhaust manifold is constantly exposed to high temperatures, it can eventually weaken and fail.
Finally, manifold gasket failure can also be caused by engine vibrations. If the engine is not mounted properly, it can create excessive vibrations that will damage the manifold gasket.
Hagan’s Motor Pool: Jaguar Experts Who Care About Quality Service
A manifold gasket failure can be a serious issue for any car owner. If not fixed properly, it can lead to a loss of power and efficiency in your vehicle. 
Our mechanics use a manifold gasket replacement kit to fix this problem. The kit will include all of the necessary gaskets and seals to properly fix the manifold gasket failure.
Once the manifold gasket replacement kit is installed, our mechanic will typically test drive your car to ensure that the problem has been fixed. In most cases, the manifold gasket replacement kit will successfully fix a manifold gasket failure. However, if the problem persists, we may need to perform additional repairs. This is why it is important to have our certified BMW mechanics take a look at your car if you suspect that you have a manifold gasket failure.
At Hagan’s Motor Pool we’re committed to quality auto maintenance and straightforward, honest customer service. German vehicles are known for their high standards for performance and comfort and our team works closely with you to make sure that you always enjoy the absolute best from your German vehicle. If you live in or around Alton, Barrington, Berwick, Dover, or Rochester, NH, please give us a call to schedule a convenient appointment or visit us to speak with our friendly staff.